Organizer Information
The CreArt Network is a European collaboration project funded by the European Union's Creative Europe Programme, uniting 24 cities across Europe to foster contemporary creation and innovation in the arts. Established to promote artistic mobility and intercultural dialogue, CreArt supports emerging talents through residencies, festivals, and open calls. The hosting organization for this call is the City of Valladolid's Department of Culture, in partnership with local cultural entities like the Valladolid Municipal Museum and the CreArt Network. Valladolid, a historic city in Spain known for its rich artistic heritage, serves as a vibrant hub for contemporary art initiatives, emphasizing community engagement and urban creativity.
Title & Description
CreArt 3.0 Open Call to Participate in CreaVA 26 Festival for Emerging Artists in Valladolid.
This open call invites emerging visual artists to join the 26th edition of CreaVA, Valladolid's annual Festival of Contemporary Art, as part of the CreArt 3.0 initiative. The festival's theme, "Art and Urban Regeneration," explores how artistic interventions can revitalize public spaces, address social challenges, and foster sustainable urban development. Selected artists will participate in a two-week residency in Valladolid, where they will develop site-specific projects that interact with the city's architecture, communities, and historical sites. These works—ranging from installations to performances—aim to provoke dialogue on themes like environmental sustainability, cultural identity, and inclusive public spaces. Through workshops, site visits, and collaborations with local artists and residents, participants will create immersive experiences that transform overlooked urban areas into dynamic artistic zones. The residency culminates in a public presentation during the CreaVA Festival, offering exposure to international audiences and contributing to Valladolid's ongoing cultural ecosystem. This opportunity not only supports creative experimentation but also builds networks for future European collaborations, embodying CreArt's mission to bridge local contexts with global artistic practices. (Word count for this section: 178)
Categories
Visual Arts, including site-specific installations, public interventions, performance art, multimedia works, and interdisciplinary projects focused on urban environments.
Eligibility
Open to emerging visual artists of any nationality who are in the early to mid-stages of their career (typically under 10 years of professional experience). Applicants must be over 18 years old and demonstrate a commitment to contemporary art practices that engage with social or urban themes. No formal academic qualifications are required, but a portfolio showcasing innovative work is essential. Collaborative proposals from artist duos or small groups (up to three members) are welcome, provided all members meet the criteria.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected artists receive a production grant of €3,000 to cover materials and project development, plus a per diem allowance of €50 per day for the residency period. Full accommodation in shared artist housing is provided, along with round-trip travel reimbursement up to €300 within Europe (higher limits for non-EU artists). Participants gain access to technical workshops, mentorship from established curators, and inclusion in the CreaVA Festival exhibition, reaching over 10,000 visitors. Additional perks include documentation of works for portfolios, networking events with European art professionals, and potential for follow-up residencies in other CreArt cities. This support empowers artists to experiment boldly while building international visibility.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English or Spanish, maximum 2 pages, highlighting relevant experience and artistic background.
- Portfolio of 5-10 recent works, including descriptions, dates, and media (digital files: images up to 5MB each, videos up to 2 minutes and 50MB).
- Project proposal (500-800 words) outlining the concept, how it engages with the "Art and Urban Regeneration" theme, and its intended interaction with Valladolid's public spaces.
- Motivation letter (300-500 words) explaining interest in the residency and festival.
- Proof of availability for the full residency period.
All submissions must be in PDF format (except videos) and emailed as specified.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Notification Date: 1 March 2026
- Residency Period: April 15 - April 28, 2026 (two weeks)
- CreaVA Festival Dates: May 1 - May 15, 2026 (public presentation during this time)
Location
Valladolid, Spain
Additional Details
The selection jury comprises representatives from the CreArt Network, Valladolid's cultural department, and independent curators, evaluating proposals based on originality, feasibility, thematic relevance, and potential community impact. Artists are responsible for their own travel insurance and any visa requirements. The program promotes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Due to potential health protocols, proof of vaccination or testing may be requested closer to the dates. For inquiries, contact the coordinator at the email above. This call aligns with EU sustainability goals, prioritizing eco-friendly materials in projects.